Onuachu goal sparks fresh controversy in Turkish Super Lig as Istanbulspor abandon game

A goal scored for Trabzonspor by Paul Onuachu sparked fresh controversy in the Turkish Super Lig, as Istanbulspor abandoned the match in protest of a refereeing decision in the build-up.

In a highly controversial turn of events during the match between Trabzonspor and İstanbulspor, Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu scored his eighth Süper Lig goal.

However, the celebration was short-lived as İstanbulspor’s management withdrew the team from the field in protest

Turkish football has been plunged into further controversy, the last involving Ankaracugu club president who punched a Referee after league game vs Rizespor. 

Folowing the resumption of league action after the Ankaracugu vs Rizespor incident, another episode was lauched on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 as a top-flight game between Istanbulspor and Trabzonspor was abandoned after Istanbulspor players walked off the pitch in protest of a decision.

The controversy was sparked when Trabzonspor went 2-1 ahead with a goal from Paul Onuachu, after Istanbulspor players had earlier claimed they should have had a penalty following a clash between Florian Loshaj and Batista Mendy.

Istanbulspor President Ecmel Faik Sarıalioglu instructed his players to leave the field. Despite the goal being confirmed by VAR.

Video evidence show there were moments when İstanbulspor players appealed to President Ecmel Faik Sarıalioğlu to continue playing, and reports suggested a meeting between Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan and İstanbulspor President Ecmel Faik Sarıalioğlu.

Despite initial discussions, İstanbulspor’s captain, Mehmet Yeşil, returned to inform Ali Şansalan of their decision not to resume the match.

This decision could potentially lead to point deductions for İstanbulspor due to the halt in play. According to regulations, a team forfeiting a match after it has started may face a 3-0 loss. In addition to the loss, the team might incur a deduction of 3 points from their current tally.

There could also be a compensation penalty determined by the TFF (Turkish Football Federation) to cover referee expenses, other costs, and compensate the opposing team for their losses.

The abrupt and contentious withdrawal from the match has raised questions about the consequences İstanbulspor may face, both in terms of points and financial penalties, as a result of their protest.